Drake shook his head. "That's not the wayIsee it."
"So, howdoyou see it?"
He gave my hand a tender squeeze. "When everything's right – the person, the place, the timing – there's nothing to regret."
It was surprisingly romantic, and I heard myself say, "You sound like you're talking from experience."
"No." His mouth tightened. "Unless you count the opposite kind."
"You mean, waking upwithregrets?"
"You don't know me," he said. "But I'dlikeyou to. AndIwant to get to knowyou.So let's just start there, alright?"
Chapter 17
Drake
In the crowded burger joint, Jeff stared across the table. "So you didn't bang her?"
I gave him a look. "Don't call it that."
"But why not? That's whatyou'vebeen calling it."
"Not today."
Jeff gave an amused snort. "You mean not withher."
"Yeah." My voice grew quiet. "Not with her."
He leaned back in the booth. "Man, you've got it bad."
Did I?It was hard to say. I'd left Gwen only a half-hour ago after spending a couple of hours at her aunt's place, first fixing the stroller and then hanging out with Cash and the kittens, who seemed to love having a dog to pounce on.
Cash had taken the attention in good stride. More than that – he'd seemed to enjoy it. In fact, he'd enjoyed itsomuch he'd looked ready to drag his heels when it came time to leave.
He wasn't the only one.During the time I'd spent with Gwen, I'd learned that we had a lot in common. She had a bachelor's degree in math and was working toward her master's in physics.
My own degree was in computer science, and I had no master's. I didn't plan on getting one either. I preferred to learn the old-fashioned way – bydoing, not sitting in a classroom.
As far as the visit, I would've stuck around longer if I hadn't already made plans with Jeff.
Sure, I could've blown off our lunch, but in the years I'd known the guy, he'd never once canceled, and I tried to give as good as I got.
Plus, I'dwantedto meet up with him.
He was my oldest friend, which was why I'd just told him about Gwen. Now, I was curious what he'd say.
With a laugh, he said, "Youdohave it bad, don't you?"
"Maybe."
He shook his head. "But you've known her for how long? A week?"
"Eight days."
"But that's nothing."
As an expert on logic, I couldn't exactly argue. "I know."
